I have a automatic Transmission and transfer case (np231) from a 96 Cherokee and I have an 87 Cherokee also with an automatic trans and NP207. I know there is a difference in the input gears for the newer transfer case. apart from that the 96 T-case housing is cracked most of the way around. I am curious if it would be worth it to have the case welded by a reputable transmission shop and if it would in your opinions be less reliable? also are there any other things I need to be aware of for the Swap?

 

Welding a case shouldn't be a problem apart from it being cast aluminum. Personally, transfer cases are pretty abundant in junkyards so I would find a better swap.

 

Also if money is a problem, and if the hole is small enough, and if the hole is in an area that is not load-bearing or holding back fluid, then in a pinch you could use something like JB-Weld.

 

Tcase being cracked nearly all the way around, i don't think i would bother with having a shop weld it. Even if it held fluid after the repair its not going to be as strong as is once was - only being more prone to break again. Welding cast aluminum is a real pain. There is A LOT of prep work that goes into getting it cleaned up only for the cast aluminum to dump the black soot all over the weld area's as soon as you hit it with the heat of your tig gun. Been there - done that. 231J tcase' are not hard to come by at all.

 

Agreed! Yeah I misread the cracked all the way around part. Yup I would get a new case from the yard